Kingston Police execute warrant following rash of bike thefts and break-ins

Kingston Police executed a warrant in Kingston’s west end and made multiple arrests following an investigation into multiple recent thefts and break-and-enter incidents in the area.

On Aug. 23, 2020 Kingston Police detectives began an investigation into a recent increase in break-and-enters and thefts in the Henderson Place and Auden Park wards. Police say they had received multiple reports of break-ins to residential garages and vehicles and numerous bicycles had been stolen. 

On Aug. 26, 2020 Kingston Police arrested one male after setting up a purchase over Facebook for one of the stolen bicycles. Then on Aug. 27, 2020 police executed a warrant at a Roosevelt Drive residence and arrested an 18 year old female, who was located inside the home, on Ontario Provincial Police related warrants. Police say stolen bicycles and other stolen property was recovered from inside the residence and was subsequently seized and taken to police headquarters. 

Police say they discovered that the residence was being used as a “chop shop”, where bicycles were being taken apart and then rebuilt with various other bicycle parts including tires and handlebars. In one case, say police, a bicycle, which had recently been stolen on August 19, 2020, had already been stripped down to just a frame, with no tires, handlebars, or seat.  

A 25-year-old local male and a 27-year-old local male face a total of 22 criminal charges including breaking and entering a non-dwelling with intent, theft under $5000, mischief under $5000, possession of stolen property under $5000 and multiple counts of breach of probation. Police say that during the course of the investigation, officers also located numerous stolen items including personal identification cards which had not yet been reported to police. A number of the stolen bicycles were subsequently returned to their rightful owners. 

Police say they would like to thank area residents who were able to assist them in providing security video footage. Some of these residents were also able to track down their own bicycles via social media neighbourhood watch groups. Police are appreciative of the community’s involvement in this case and extend their gratitude to those who assisted them, which ultimately led to the arrest of the accused parties.